A great crossover title for fantasy readers, tabletop gamers, and early RPG collectors, Dicing with Dragons is Ian Livingstone’s lively introduction to the role-playing hobby at the moment it was breaking into the mainstream. Rather than a novel, this is a practical fantasy gaming guide that explains how role-playing works, introduces major games of the period, and includes the solo adventure “Eye of the Dragon.” It also has strong visual appeal, with miniature-filled cover art and interior illustrations by Russ Nicholson. This copy is photo-verified as a 1983 First Plume Printing paperback with visible cover and edge wear, clean readable text pages, and nicely aged paper.
Quick Specs
• Item Type: Paperback book
• Size: 8 x 5 x .25 in.
• Material: Paper / cardstock wraps
• Color: Black cover with red, green, and multicolor fantasy artwork; cream-toned pages
• Origin or Maker: Plume / New American Library, New York and Scarborough, Ontario
• Year or Era: 1983
• GENRE: Fantasy Gaming Nonfiction / Role-Playing Games
• Language / Pages: English / 210 pages
• Identifiers: ISBN 0-452-25447-7 / LCCN 83-8359
Edition & Features
• Edition/Printing: First Plume Printing, November 1983
• Dust Jacket: Not applicable; paperback
• Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Illustrated by Russ Nicholson; black-and-white interior illustrations
• Extras: Includes “Eye of the Dragon,” a solo role-playing game designed especially for this book; sections on game systems, accessories, miniatures, painting figures, and creating your own games
Condition Grade: Good
Positives:
• Complete paperback with first printing page present
• Binding appears intact
• Interior text is clean and readable in the photos
• No writing, underlining, or ownership marks visible
• Strong vintage fantasy gaming cover design with bright title lettering still showing well
• Even age toning gives the text block a classic 1980s paperback look
Issues / Wear:
• Noticeable edge wear, rubbing, and corner wear to covers
• Creasing and surface wear visible across front cover
• Spine shows wear, rubbing, and edge chipping, especially toward the ends
• Back cover has scuffing, scratches, and corner wear
• Pages are age toned throughout
• General shelf wear consistent with use and age
Sold as pictured—please review all photos carefully.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
About the Author: Ian Livingstone
Ian Livingstone co-founded Games Workshop in 1975 and helped introduce tabletop fantasy gaming to a wider audience in the UK and beyond. He also co-created the hugely influential Fighting Fantasy gamebook series, making him a natural guide for a beginner-friendly role-playing handbook like this one.
This is the kind of paperback that looks right at home beside early D&D books, Fighting Fantasy gamebooks, and well-loved 1980s fantasy shelves.
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Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
